The role of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in structural biology is now well established, and its usefulness in combination with macromolecular crystallography is clear. However, the highly averaged SAXS data present a significant risk of over-interpretation to the unwary practitioner, and it can be challenging to frame SAXS results in a manner that maximises the reliability of the conclusions drawn. In this review, a series of recent examples are used to illustrate both the challenges for interpretation and approaches through which these can be overcome.